Improvements to the Theatre

The management of the theatre uses money raised by the hire of the
theatre, and from some events, to make improvements to the theatre.
This improves the facilities for those using and hiring the theatre,
and makes the experience better for the audience.

Although minor work on the theatre is done frequently throughout
the year, we have, to date, had 6 main sets of improvements made to
the facilities.

Summer 2011 - Lighting Improvements

The lighting control system was replaced with a new ETC
Ion desk, enabling a considerable upgrade of our lighting control
facilities, and enabling us to control more complex moving head
fixtures. Part of this upgrade included remodelling the stage corner
control area. The continued rolling upgrades of the available lanterns
were continued completing the replacement of the on-stage fresnels and
larger profile lanterns. We also replaced the effects Smoke
Machine.

Summer/Autumn 2010 - Radio Microphones and Lighting

The Radio Microphones were replaced with a set, which should
improve the quality and reliability of the sound system as well as
complying to the new government radio frequency allocations. Some
new lanterns including UV effects panels have also been
purchased.

Summer 2009 - Sound and Lighting

The Sound Mixer was replaced with a new 32 channel mixer (up from a
16 channel mixer). A lot of our more elderly lanterns were replaced
with more modern versions - rationalising our lanterns, and making
nearly all of our standard rig lanterns be modern types.

Summer 2008 - Heating and Ventilation

The heating and ventilation system, which mostly dated from the
original construction of the theatre in 1935, has been almost entirely
replaced. The new system allows much finer control over the heating and
ventilation of the theatre, and automatically allows for the external
weather conditions and occupancy of the building. It also allows air to
be re-circulated within the building, whilst ensuring that air quality
is maintained — this reduces the cost of heating the building and
improves the energy efficiency.

This work was carried out in 2 phases - the first phase during the
Summer of 2008, the second phase in February 2009.

Summer 2006 - Major Redecoration

During the Summer of 2006 a major redecoration of the theatre into
the style of the original Art Deco design. The Auditorium and
public areas, as well as the dressing rooms and backstage areas have
all been repainted into a cream and green colour scheme, and all the
auditorium curtains (including the main house tabs) have been replaced
with new curtains matching the new colour scheme. Further work to
improve signage has also been undertaken, making a substantial
difference to the internal appearance of the theatre.

At the same time - taking advantage of the complete scaffolding of
the auditorium - the roof space has been opened out to give more space
for front of house lighting, and the side lighting mounts have been
improved. The combination of these changes allows us to mount more
lights in front of the stage - an area where the lighting provision
had previously been weak.

The auditorium ceiling lighting has also been upgraded, with arch
lighting similar to the previous cold cathode lighting system (which
failed back in the 1980s). The auditorium lighting is now connected
to the main stage lighting control desk.

Summer 2005 - Sound Improvements

During Summer 2005 the auditorium sound system was revamped, giving
a much higher quality sound for the audience. This included
replacements of the amplifier and speaker systems and the fitting of a
new set of fill-in speakers across the front of the orchestra pit.

The auditorium lighting control was replaced following a failure of
the system earlier in the year.

Summer 2004 - Stage Lighting Rewiring

The stage lighting wiring system was coming to the end of its
useful life, so the complete system was rewired, and all the dimmers
replaced. This gave a much more flexible and reliable lighting
system. A rolling program of lantern upgrades and replacement was
also instigated.

Summer 2003 - Auditorium Refurbishment

The auditorium seating was completely replaced with a new set of
seating. To accommodate this the flooring also had to be replaced and
a new set of carpet installed. The previous set of seating had been
in place for many decades, and the new seating is much more
comfortable, especially since the legroom of the old seats was
designed based on the average size of adults in the 1930's.